Status
Available
Call number
Collections
Publication
New York : Bloomsbury, 2013.
ISBN
9781620401910
Description
Religion & Spirituality. Nonfiction. HTML:There has been a bad-tempered quarrel between defenders and critics of religion in recent years. Both sides have expressed themselves acerbically because there is a very great deal at stake in the debate. This book thoroughly and calmly examines all the arguments and associated considerations offered in support of religious belief, and does so in full consciousness of the reasons people have for subscribing to religion, and the needs they seek to satisfy by doing so. And because it takes account of all the issues, its solutions carry great weight. The God Argument is the definitive examination of the issue, and a statement of the humanist outlook that recommends itself as the ethics of the genuinely reflective person.… (more)
User reviews
LibraryThing member spbooks
An excellent read! The book is divided into two sections. Section 1 evaluates common arguments in support of theism and shows how they are incoherent, inconsistent, or unnecessary - in particular unnecessary in forming the basis for ethics and morality. The second section lays out the way in which
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secular humanism may contribute to various ethical and moral issues. The writing is intelligent, witty, wise, sensitive, and compelling. Grayling is one of the most eloquent voices in contemporary “atheism” and secular humanism. Inspiring and hopeful. Show Less
LibraryThing member elimatta
Given the author's background, it isn't surprising that this is well argued.
But it is just a little mean spirited. The fundamental view propounded is that we should be compassionate and understanding towards one another, accepting of other views, and that the origin of this ethic lies in rational
This book is a work of philosophy, but it makes historical assertions, and it is all a bit too black and white historically. MacCulloch's History of Christianity shows more balance, even if it is likely to turn many readers away from religion. So much blood over such small differences.
Onfray is still my favourite book on atheism. A slight change of tone, rather more compassion towards those the author sees as deluded, and I'd have loved this book.
But it is just a little mean spirited. The fundamental view propounded is that we should be compassionate and understanding towards one another, accepting of other views, and that the origin of this ethic lies in rational
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thought about humanity and society. But in this book the compassion seems lacking towards those who hold religious beliefs. Where is the discussion of the role of religion in such great causes as anti-slavery?This book is a work of philosophy, but it makes historical assertions, and it is all a bit too black and white historically. MacCulloch's History of Christianity shows more balance, even if it is likely to turn many readers away from religion. So much blood over such small differences.
Onfray is still my favourite book on atheism. A slight change of tone, rather more compassion towards those the author sees as deluded, and I'd have loved this book.
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LibraryThing member Sullywriter
Grayling offers a much more respectful, thoughtful, and compelling approach to the argument than "New Atheists" such as Dawkins, Harris, and Hitchens who rely too much upon condescension and ridicule. Like those other authors Grayling is most successful in demonstrating the many failings of
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organized religion. I still don't see how it makes sense to use logic and reason to argue against something as illogical and unreasonable as religious faith. It's true that much evil has been done in the name of religion but I can't help but think that the greatest humanitarians in history have been motivated by religious faith. This is not a subject Grayling ever brings up and I'm curious to know what he'd say about this. Show Less
LibraryThing member MarcusBastos
Religion and It's Flaws
Exposing the so called contradictions (flaws) of religion, A. C. Grayling argues for the superiority of humanism, whose central notions, he believes, can establish an ethics system based in human will, potentiality and contingencies. An ethics system based on religion's
Exposing the so called contradictions (flaws) of religion, A. C. Grayling argues for the superiority of humanism, whose central notions, he believes, can establish an ethics system based in human will, potentiality and contingencies. An ethics system based on religion's
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notions is inferior, because it ignores human potentialities and produces violence. The book is well written. The author expresses his ideas in a simple and understandable language. The matter is fascinating and controversial. One wonders if the author succeeded in making his case. Show Less
LibraryThing member martialalex92
I was expecting a bit more real world examples of the ills caused by religion, however the book focused more on philosophical arguments (which is also good) and just mentioned real world examples in passing. It did do a good job of putting the arguments in easy to understand forms and ended with a
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much more uplifting description of humanism and its benefits Show Less
Call number
CA GRA